Went to see the captain

Strangest I could find

Laid my proposition down

Laid it on the line

I won't slave for beggar's pay

Likewise gold and jewels

But I would slave to learn the way

To sink your ship of fools

Ship of fools

On a cruel sea

Ship of fools

Sail away from me

It was later than I thought

When I first believed you

Now I cannot share your laughter

Ship of fools

Saw your first ship sink and drown

From rockin' of the boat

And all that could not sink or swim

Was just left there to float

I won't leave you drifting down

But whoa, it makes me wild

With 30 years upon my head

To have you call me child

Ship of fools

On a cruel sea

Ship of fools

Sail away from me

It was later than I thought

When I first believed you

Now I cannot share your laughter

Ship of fools

The bottles stand as empty

As they were filled before

Time that was in plenty

But from that cup no more

Though I could not caution all

I still might warn a few

Don't lend your hand to raise no flag

Atop no ship of fools

Ship of fools

On a cruel sea

Ship of fools

Sail away from me

It was later than I thought

When I first believed you

Now I cannot share your laughter

Ship of fools

It was later than I thought

When I first believed you

Now I cannot share your laughter

Ship of fools